Rough Start For Two

Things that will drive you batty this season include Jacque Jones and Michael Barrett batting back to back. Their first at bats this season came with the bases loaded against a struggling pitcher and nobody out. So what do these two goofs do?

Jones swings at the first and second pitch he sees, Barrett swings at the first and only pitche he sees.

Result: Jones flies out to left but is saved by Adam DH-unn's impression of a major league outfielder. Barrett follows up with a double play.

When are these guys going to learn to take a pitch or two? And is Dusty going to say something to them considering they were supposed to learn this in the minors? They both owe their asses to Matt Murton who had a great at bat that resulted in a 3 run dinger.

While No One Is Paying Attention

Opening Day / NCAA Tourney Championship day is a great day to bury unpopular news. That's what the Cubs did yesterday in announcing that Jim Hendry could have a new contract before the home opener.

After that, an extension for Dusty Baker would be on tap. Nothing like handing out extensions before they are earned.

Too bad managers can't be term limited.

And, along the lines of President Bush's visit to Cinci yesterday. Anyone catch these nuggets?

(Matt) Murton said the meeting compared favorably to a clubhouse visit from Vince Vaughn, one of his favorite movie stars.

Getting a visit from the President is so money

Manager Dusty Baker and relief pitcher Bob Howry had knives taken from their bags at Great American Ball Park as security tightened for the visit from the president.

"It's the first time they took it at the ballpark," Baker said. "They've taken it at the airport when I forget [it was in the bag]."

Asked why he had a knife, Baker said: "It's a pocketknife that you use for stuff— cutting apples, doing whatever, tighten a screw or cut some tape off a box, cutting string, anything."

That Dusty. Always prepared for that wild apple, loose screw or tapped box you find on a major league ballfield.